2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc
Buying options
Tasting notes
All Sauvignon Blanc from a mix of Napa and Sonoma fruit, the 2023 Illumination is light gold-hued with bright, juicy citrus, mint, and floral aromatics in a medium-bodied, soft, supple, incredibly charming and delicious style. It will drink nicely for a couple of years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Full bottle 1,481 g. 58% Sauvignon Blanc, 32% Sauvignon Blanc Musqué, 10% Sémillon. Pale lemon. Pithy and chalky with a floral undertone. Rich, blanketing broadness and phenolic texture with noticeable ripeness to the fruit, but not in a sugary way. Balancing acidity. Not the most expressive, but this wine usually takes a couple years to come around. Persistent finish. (SCJ)
As usual, the 2023 Illumination is a blend of Napa and Sonoma-sourced fruit, including Sauvignon Blanc from the estate (Musqué), southern Napa and Bennett Valley, plus Sémillon from Calistoga. Fermented and aged in a mix of oak and acacia, stainless steel and concrete, it kicks off with scents of struck flint and pencil shavings, backed by notes of pear, fig and pineapple. It's medium to full-bodied but also bright, fresh and zesty, with a lingering finish.
Full bottle 1,478 g. Pale lemon in colour. Fresh white blossom, intense peach and green-apple-candy nose. Long and fresh. These wines usually take a year or two to show their potential but this is attractive now. (SCJ)